Staff members at CBS's investigative program 60 Minutes have expressed dissatisfaction with the recent hiring decisions made by Bari Weiss, the network's editor-in-chief. Among the new hires is Ross Douthat, a columnist for The New York Times, who has been criticized for lacking a reporting background and on-camera experience. A memo from executive producer Nick Bilton described Douthat as a leading public intellectual, but some colleagues have reacted negatively to this characterization, with one veteran TV executive stating that the notion of Douthat as a correspondent is laughable.
Douthat's writing often explores themes of religion, and he has previously discussed his views on the Catholic Church. In addition to Douthat, CBS has also hired writer Sebastian Junger, former VICE correspondent Gianna Toboni, and Sir Trevor Phillips, a former Sky News host, as senior global affairs correspondent, despite past accusations of Islamophobia. These appointments have raised questions among industry professionals regarding their suitability for the prestigious program.
Concerns about the new hires reflect a broader unease within the staff, which predates Douthat's appointment. There are doubts about whether even seasoned correspondents can adapt to the show's long-form format. Weiss, who was appointed in October 2025, has been criticized for steering CBS News in a rightward direction, which some believe has contributed to declining ratings. CBS Evening News has struggled to maintain viewership, with recent averages falling below 4 million for several months. The Daily Beast has reached out to CBS News for comment on the situation.